How do I unclog my kitchen sink?

Question

There is no garbage disposal - and I've been plunging until I'm out of breath. No help.

What should i do?

Answer 1

get a sink plunger they probably have them at wal mart

Answer 2

Most people plunge wrong. Strong downward strokes only pack the junk in the drain tighter. The downstroke is only to create a good seal, and to provide the set-up for the important part, the strong upwards stroke. Also, if your sink has on overflow drain hole in the front, or a double sink with a second drain, leaving it open creates total loss of vacuum. So plug it with a rag.

Also, you need a sink plunger, not a regular, full sized toilet kind.

If that does't work, then I take the drain pipe apart with channel locks, to remove any gunk in the p-trap. But be careful, if you've dried any drain unclogging chemicals, they can and will burn you. I suggest never using them in the 1st place. They rarely work, and are damaging to the pipes. If there's nothing in it (clog deeper in the line) I use a closet auger. If no luck, drain snake time.

Answer 3

Let the sink sit for a while, as the water will probably drain....just VERY slowly. After it's gone down, try using a liquid clog remover, preferably in a GEL form. Let it sit for the alotted time, and then try flushing it with HOT water.

My wife once poured cooking grease down our kitchen sink. When it coagulated, it formed a nasty stopper, and the HOT water was enough to melt the clog, and let it be pushed away.

If all else fails though, the next step is to undo the Ubend under the sink, and check for clogs.

After that, I'd say you're gonna have to call a plumber.

Answer 4

Open cabinet under sink

Follow the pipe out of the bottom of sink until you will see a U-shaped pipe with plastic screw-on joints at either end. One end will go up into sink, the other sideways into wall. It looks kind of like this (ignore dots):
_ .l
. U

PUT A BUCKET UNDER IT. There will be some splashage.

unscrew the joints and take off the U pipe, clean it. Let everything drain till its dry, and replace it. While you have it off use the plunger handle to make sure nothing is blocking the straight vertical pipe between the sink and the U-pipe.

Answer 5

Drano, but either poor a couple of drops at a time (should take you 5-10 minutes to pour in a pint, and/or use the drano gel, so it clings to the clog and eats it away. Let it sit for teice as long as they say, and then flush with warm water for 10 minutes.

Answer 6

do you have a disposal under the sink check it they can clog up easy also if draino dident work then take off the pipe under the sink take a cloths hanger stretch it out see if the block is close if so use the hanger most likley you have a build up in the pipe you will probley have to have it snaked you can do it your self if you rent one or know someone that has one but check you disposal first and then check it with a hanger or call a plumber

Answer 7

There are several ways to clear a clogged sink.
1.Liquid Plummer
2.Snaking it
3.Remove the trap, clean it out and put it back on.
4. Compressed air in a can.

Answer 8

I would suggest you go to your local hardware store and buy a product called "Liquid Fire". Follow the directions exactly and be very careful as this product will burn your skin. It will definately unclog that drain.

Answer 9

It's time for Liquid Plumber. Next time get yourself one of those strainers that fit over the opening of the drain so they catch any food scraps.

Answer 10

Draino works. I generally boil a few large pots of water every weekend and slowly pour them down the drain to keep them clean and free of debri so that doesn't happen.

Answer 11

buy a bottle of Draino to try, it removes grease and hair - all that yucchhy stuff. If not call a plumbing place to enquire what else you can do, they will usually tell you free . . . good luck